TASK STARLETTER #88 FORCE TM The Official Newsletter March 1994 $2 GAMES

S2 AT THE PRINTERS ANNOUNCEMENTS The long-awaited second scenario module has been On a space-available basis, Starletter will announce events finished, with 53 scenarios and 2 campaigns. Of the scenarios, of interest to SFB players, including conventions, local tourna- 30 are entirely new; 23 are updated classics. ments, PBM campaigns, club meetings, special store events, etc. The following playtest scenarios were used in S2. We do not ADB and TFG make no warranty as to the quality, reliability, or need further playtest reports on these scenarios. SP66 Red, reputation of any item announced. Send your announcements to White, and Blue; SP148 Ice Monster; SP233 Circle the Echelon; . Please get them in as early as possible. SP292 Disrupted Repair; SP396 The Tortoise and the Hares; Readers should include a stamped self-addressed envelope SP461 Operation Achilles; SP518 Metamorph; SP535 Rescue when requesting information from listed events. the Supply Tug; SP646 Gremlins; SP673 Tricked; SP892 Race to ➤ ORIGINS 94 will be in San Jose California on 7-10 July. the Base; SP1092 Kroal’s War; SP1273 Last Fling; SP1284 SFB, F&E, and Prime Directive championships. Info from Gama, Pirate Stew; SP1285 Longshot; SP1286 Tug of War; SP1302 P O Box 3100, Kent, OH 44240. or 1-800-529-EXPO. Faulty Logic; SP1331 Desperate Days; SP1380 Interrupted ➤ GENCON 94, 18-21 August. Mostly RPGs, but does Exchange; SP1506 Hornet’s Sting; SP1534 A Double Surprise; include the largest SFB event outside of Origins. Prime Directive SP1925 Rebel Reduction; SP1933 Pressing the Advantage; National Championships. Info from P O Box 756, Lake Geneva SP1934 The Sally; TP11 LDR Commander. WI 53147. (They promised a better room this year, with lights!) ➤ MADISON GAMES CON, 14-15 May, Edgewood High NEW SHIP FOR STAR FLEET BATTLES School, 2219 Monroe St, Madison WI. Sanctioned SFB. Info (R11.908) LYRAN DWV: The Lyrans produced this small carrier from: Ken Rotar, 1140 Morraine View #106, Madison WI 53719. for use in security missions (e.g., convoy escorts) but often were ➤ KING-CON II, 8-10 July, Saint John NB. Sanctioned SFB forced to use it for mainline combat due to the shortage of other tournament. Info from Timothy Walton, 100 Wright Street Apt. #1, Lyran carriers. First prototype Y176, in regular service Y177. 1+2 Saint John NB E2K 3Z2 Canada. spare shuttles, docking 5, Explosion 12; includes plus refit. ➤ PARADOXICON II, 21-22 May, Ottawa. Sanctioned SFB. F&E: Allowed one substitution (for DW) and one DWV Info: Carleton Univ Strategy Club, c/o Student’s Association, conversion (from DW, 2 points) per year starting in 4 1125 Colonel By Drive, Ottawa, Ontario Canada K1S 5B6. ➤ Y178. Does not count against CV limit in (711.0). 3-6 SPOKANE GAMEFAIR: 22-24 April. Sanctioned SFB. Info Merlin’s, North 1 Browne, Spokane WA 99201 509-624-0957. Normal escort group is one FFA or DWA. Command DWV ➤ rating 5. (The Gorns have an operationally identical 2 ■■■ STAR FLEET WARLORD: Agents of Gaming operates this ship, the BDV; use the same rules and factors.) 1-3 play-by-mail strategic SFB campaign in the Greater Magellanic Cloud. Buy ships to search for (or conquer, or defend) resources needed to buy even more (and bigger) ships. For a rulebook SCANNERS REPORT (with no obligation to play), send $5 for postage and handling to ★ CAPTAIN’S LOG #14, another in the best-selling series. Agents of Gaming, P.O. Box 31571, Dayton, OH 45431-0571. Includes a complete cross-index of the SFB rules, listing the ➤ LONGEST-RUNNING SFB PLAY-BY-MAIL CAMPAIGN. It interactions between 36 key systems. Also the usual great fiction, began in 1985 and is now in Turn #52, Y191 in the middle of the scenarios, tactics, F&E, Warlord, Missions, PD, and more! $9.95 Andro Invasion. Join us! Send a stamped self-addressed enve- Stock #5710. CL#14 is already in stores near you! lope to John D Berg, 1802 Cora St, Crest Hill, IL 60435. ★ MODULE S2: Includes 53 scenarios and the stunning ➤ STARLIST (a list of known SFB players) is available from asteroid field map. $11.95, Stock #5707. Task Force. Send $1 and a stamped self-addressed envelope. ★ GRADUATION EXERCISE: Prime Directive adventure They hopefully will have someone within driving range for you. including GM screen with all of the charts needed to run the ➤ NEW RACES are currently in development; at least one game. $7.95, Stock #5802. should see release this year. The “J-Race” are galactic gypsies, ★ MODULE X1 is in development for Origins release. Expect an old race with very unusual ships and a new weapon, the warp- some major changes resulting from playtesting. X-ships won’t augmented railgun. Down on the glactic rim, the “V-race” is have Aegis, will have one big phaser capacitor (instead of carving out a niche for itself with their ability to control “weather” several little ones), and won’t be able to fire overloads as rapid around their system (or any star system they want to grab). pulse. More scenarios need testing! ➤ Marshal of the USSR Nikolai V Ogarkov (NCC–1763) died ★ COMING THIS YEAR: CL#15, Module X1, Module Y, and 25 Jan at the age of 76 after a long illness. Ogarkov, as Chief of perhaps something special. PD: Hidden Agenda, Lost on Andor, the General Staff, reorganized the Soviet Army in the late 70s. Uprising!, Deck Plans of a SAMS, Prime Adventures #1. F&E: ➤ FREE ERRATA BOOK, listing all errata and typos for SFB, Advanced Operations. is available from TFG. Send a 9x12 envelope with 52¢ US postage to receive yours! (Canadians must provide 63¢ US SO YOU WANT TO PLAYTEST? postage or two IRCs. Foreigners include four IRCs.) Don’t write in and ask if you can playtest. Write in with the ➤ BRITISH police raided a suspected London “gambling reports on stuff you have already playtested. Include a reply den” on 27 Jan only to discover that the people were playing envelope for an evaluation of your efforts. If you are good at it, various boardgames and wargames, not gambling. One officer you’ll find a new “unpublished” assignment in your envelope. asked “What? These people play games for no money?” Module P1: SP64. Module P2: SP270, TP8. Module P3: SP109, SP278, SP336, SP344, SP1281. TASK FORCE NEWS Module P4: SP324, SP510, SP864, SP1064. ✪ CRUSADE, 128-page scenario book based on the Module MO#2, CL#13, CL#14: All of them. Theban War, new tech systems, boarding combat. #6005 $13.95 CL#12. All of them. SP225(A) should use three D4s against ✪ STAR FLEET 2300 miniatures are now expected to return four PCs. SP248 and SP225 have no T-bombs for the Tholians. in May or June of 1994; first pack has Fed CA, D7, WE, Thol PC. NEW SCENARIO FOR STAR FLEET BATTLES

(SP247.0) FAST AND FURIOUS (SP247.44) REFITS: The Lyran DWV has the power pack. The Lyran DWA has full aegis, the power pack, and the plus refit. (Y177) by Stephen V Cole, Texas None of the Kzinti ships have refits. (SP247.45) DOCKED: The Kzinti DWV and FCR are docked at During heavy fighting, the Kzinti DWV Fast Cluster burned the start of the scenario. Study (C13.9) carefully regarding this up its fighter group in a series of three battles, transferring the condition. last survivors (including the spares) to a larger carrier. The Fast (SP247.46) KZINTI FIGHTERS, DRONES: There are 12 Kzinti Cluster then pulled back to pick up a replacement squadron from HAAS fighters on the FCR. Of these: the FCR 223. Because the Fast Cluster was needed for an two have been transferred to the DWV and placed in the impending operation, the 223 was ordered to meet it immediately spare fighter storage bays. These cannot be made behind the front lines. ready for combat during the scenario, but do have an The link-up of the two Kzinti ships was detected by a Lyran effect on the victory conditions. scout, and the Lyrans dispatched a strike force to attack and two have been transferred to the DWV, made ready for flight, destroy the Kzintis. and fully armed with drones and chaff. two have been transferred to the DWV, made ready for flight, (SP247.1) NUMBER OF PLAYERS: 2; the Kzinti player and the but have not been armed with drones or chaff. Lyran player. two are on the FCR. These (like the four above) were made ready for flight as the FCR came forward (a risky and (SP247.2) INITIAL SET UP dangerous gamble) but have no drones or chaff loaded. TERRAIN: None. Open space. two are on the FCR but are not quite ready. They can be KZINTI: DWV Fast Cluster in 3505, heading A, speed 0, WS–I. made ready using four deck crew actions each, but FCR 223 in 3505, heading A, WS–I. The Fast Cluster and have no drones or chaff loaded. Note that the DWV has 223 are docked at the start of the scenario. See more deck crews than the FCR (which has two). (SP247.46) regarding the status of fighters. These ships two are on the FCR but are still stored as cargo and cannot were published in CL#14. be made ready during this scenario. They could be AFF 221 in 3208, heading E, speed 5, WS–II. transferred to the DWV for victory purposes. LYRAN: DWV Furious Hunter (8x Z-V) and DWA Outguard arrive the FCR had 35 type–I medium speed drones; 10 type–VI during Impulse #1, Turn #1, in hexes 0124 and 0126 medium speed drones; and 10 spaces of chaff, pods, respectively, speed max, heading B, WS–III. etc. (Kzinti player’s choice) on board. All of these have been transferred to the DWV (and are the only such (SP247.3) LENGTH OF SCENARIO: The scenario continues supplies on the DWV). The drones are divided as the until all forces belonging to one side have been destroyed, Kzinti player wishes between the drone racks, ready captured, or have disengaged. racks, and the two fighters with drones on their rails. The chaff and pods are in storage (two chaff packs are (SP247.4) SPECIAL RULES on the two fighters so noted). The AFF has its racks full, (SP247.41) MAP: Use a floating map. but no reloads available and no SPs prepared. The Kzinti units can only disengage from the xx01 and 42xx map edges. The Lyran units can only disengage from the 01xx (SP247.5) VICTORY CONDITIONS: Use the Standard Victory and xx30 map edges. Units which disengage in unauthorized Conditions (S2.20). The Kzintis gain a bonus of five points for areas are considered destroyed. each uncrippled fighter on the DWV at the time it disengages IF (SP247.42) SHUTTLES AND PFs: No shuttles have warp the Kzinti DWV is not itself crippled. booster packs. (SP247.421) No ship in this scenario carried an MRS shuttle, (SP247.6) VARIATIONS: The scenario can be played again by but if players wish to use them, they may be purchased [up making one or more of the following changes: to the limits in (J8.5)] under (SP247.431). (SP247.61) Replace the Lyran DWV and DWA with a Klingon (SP247.422) If using EW fighters, one fighter on each carrier F5V and AF5, or use any two opposing races. is an EW type. If not using EW fighters, it is a standard (SP247.62) Replace the Lyran ships with any DW variants and fighter. use tactical intelligence. (SP247.423) There are no PFs in this scenario. (SP247.63) For a larger scenario, replace both carriers with war (SP247.43) COMMANDER’S OPTION ITEMS cruiser variants. (SP247.431) Each ship can purchase additional or special (SP247.64) For a smaller scenario, delete the AFF and DWA. equipment as Commander’s Option Items (e.g., T-bombs, extra Marines, etc.) up to 20% of its Combat BPV. See (SP247.7) BALANCE: The scenario can be balanced between (S3.2) for details and exceptions. Note that whatever is players of different skill levels by one or more of the following: spent here counts in the Standard Victory Conditions (S2.2) (SP247.71) Change the Kzinti AFF to a DWA, or replace the as victory points for the enemy. Lyran DWA with an FFA. (SP247.432) All drones are “medium,” i.e., speed–20. (SP247.72) Replace one DWV with a CWV. Each drone-armed ship can purchase special drones up (SP247.73) Adjust the number of fighters already transferred to to the historical racial percentages as part of the the Kzinti DWV, or modify their status. Commander’s Option Items. Note that (S3.2) allows drone ships extra points for this purpose. The Kzinti DWV can use (SP247.8) TACTICS these points to buy “extra” drones, perhaps of special types. KZINTIS: Launch drones to block ESGs, and get moving. (SP247.433) No ship in this scenario normally carries a Win the battle then transfer the fighters. Prime Team (G32.0), but such teams are sometimes LYRANS: You have one pass. Make it a good one. assigned to various ships. Players may experiment with Prime Teams, perhaps as a balance factor. (SP247.9) PLAYTESTERS COMMENTS: Well? HISTORICAL OUTCOME: We await playtest reports!

Page 2 Copyright © 1994 Amarillo Design Bureau NEW PLAYTEST SHIP FOR STAR FLEET BATTLES

Copyright © 1994 Amarillo Design Bureau Page 3 PLAYTEST REPORT FORMAT PUBLISHER’S INFORMATION We encourage all SFB players to submit reports on new STARLETTER is written by Amarillo Design Bureau and ships and scenarios. We can’t print new products without playtest published by . STARLETTER is Copyright © reports. Anyone can playtest; your first assignment is in this very 1994 Amarillo Design Bureau. Subscriptions to STARLETTER issue! For your report to be used, it must be typed or computer cost $5 for six issues (one year) in the US, Canada, APO, and printed on 8.5x11 paper, or written on a report form. Each rule, FPO. Issues are mailed First Class Mail. Overseas subs are $10 ship, and/or scenario report must be on a separate page. Put for six issues sent by Air Mail, but European subscribers should your name, address, and a list of playtesters on every page. first write to the British offices of Task Force Games at Task If you include a stamped self-addressed envelope, we’ll send Force Games Ltd., Unit 30A, Hardwick Ind. Estate, Bury St. you another assignment, or we’ll tell you what needs to be Edmunds, Suffolk IP33 2QH or call (0284) 725656 for more improved before you can do another one. More assignments are information. All payments must be in US funds. All checks must available on GEnie or CIS; you can report via Email. be drawn on a US bank and have magnetic code numbers. All reports should be sent to Amarillo Design Bureau, Post International Postal Money Orders are also acceptable. Send Office Box 8759, Amarillo, TX 79114 (or to ADB$ on GEnie). subscriptions to TFG, P O Box 50145, Amarillo, TX 79159. Make checks payable to TASK FORCE GAMES. REPORTS ON SHIPS 1. List the Race, Class, and Project (900) number. BACK ISSUES #57 to date available from TFG for $2 each (US). 2. What mission is the ship intended for? Is it suitable? Why? #80: Gorn Fast Carrier Resupply ship and Scenario. F&E. 3. How many times did you test the ship in one-on-one duels? #81: Tournament Scenario, Battleship factors for F&E. What ships did you test it against? What were the results? #83: SP223 Eagle Breaker (Gorn X-ships vs Romulans) 4. How many times did you test it in fleet battles? Describe the #84: Old (Tholian) Galaxy Raider; SP1925 Rebel Reduction. fleets and results. Did the ship perform its mission? #85: Klingon Early Years F4 SSD and scenario. 5. Are there any hidden flaws? Are power, speed, and systems #86: Tholian CWV, SP396 Fed Battle Pod vs Klingon PFs. adequate to the mission? #87: Federation commando frigate, scenario. F&E ships. 6. Is the ship recommended for publication? TFG cannot keep Starletters in stock indefinitely. Issues #59–61, 63, and 68 are out of stock and will not be reprinted. Stocks on REPORTS ON SCENARIOS #65-66 are very low. Others probably will not last out the year. 1. List the title and the SP number. 2. How many times did you play it? How many to completion? TASK FORCE GAMES SPARE PARTS We require at least two playings to completion and prefer Spare parts are available for all Task Force Products. Con- more. tact Task Force for a price list. All TFG products are available by 3. Is the scenario unbalanced? If so, toward whom? How much? mail from TFG. Write or Email for a catalog and price list. 4. Pick one: Fun, boring, one of the best, unworkable, average. 5. Is there a “trick key” that can unlock the scenario and cause it SFB ON GEnie COMPUTER NETWORK to fall apart? If so, describe it and how you solved it. Talk to the Star Fleet Staff directly by computer modem. Star 6. List any proposed changes, variants, or balance factors. Fleet is Category 10 on Page 805 Menu Item #1. Ask your local 7. Assign Priority for publication: Immediately, soon, whenever, computer dealer or club for info on GEnie or call GEnie Client never, in a particular product. Services at 1-800-638-9636 (Voice Only). The computer system provides overnight access to the staff and the answers to your REPORTS ON RULES game questions. New SSDs, scenarios, and playtest modules 1. List the rule number and what product the rule is in. are available for downloading on page 1020. Join in ongoing dis- 2. Ask your questions about how it works or what it means. cussions of new rules and ships, or propose your own. Weekly 3. List any conflicts with other rules. real-time conference with SFB staff. You can contact “TFG$” or 4. Describe any changes in balance or tactics it causes. “ADB$” directly via Electronic Mail on GEnie. 5. List any typos or mistakes. 6. Indicate anything that should be added, deleted, or clarified. COMPUSERVE users can contact ADB at 71333,2123.

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